Kuro: She was taken away by ambulance Crys.

Crys: Why?! She said she was only dizzy.

Kuro: It must have been more than she told us. She did have Mono up until the first reading. The Dr.s also had her on a lot of meds.

Crys: I want Joci back!

Kuro: She'll come back for us, she said so herself in her letter, see. Lets just go along with the reading today as promised.

Crys: Okay...

The manager looked on in worry, but obeyed her orders when the call was given. With the doors now open, she watched as audience members began to truffle around looking for seats while others paused at the concession stand for a drink.

Crys: Good after noon everyone, I was hopeful that the weather wouldn't scare away you all today.

Kuro: Snow can be very fickle, please be cautious when leaving the reading today.

Crys: Now to begin. Kuro & I will be joining you all for the reading today in Joci's place.

Kuro: Not to scare you, but during the last reading, Joci was taken away by ambulance under disclosed circumstances. Please pardon us until her return.

Crys: Onto some lighter news, we ask that you please, please stop at our comment/review stand at the exit. This is the final act for today before we move onto our next act and we would so hope to hear your input. Also, a work of art for you to view today to follow with this reading. wolfgirl17591. deviantart art/Bio-Sheet-Kuro-313007071 and wolfgirl17591. deviantart art/Bio-Sheet-Crystal-313005813 (To view links. Copy into url and remove the space bar)

Kuro: As a reminder to those who are new and joining us, 'The Lost Children' was originally published in 2006 and updated until 2008. For re-publishing reasons, 'The Lost Children' was removed so the new edited version could be presented to you. CLAMP's 'Tsubasa ReservoirChronicle' was the inspiration for Joci when she thought how the journey may have changed had two children been added into the mix, and this is her tale she shares with you all today.

Crys: Now, onto the final Act!

The manager cued for the lights to be dimmed, and they were done so as the isle attendants closed the curtains to the theater isles as Crys and Kuro took their seats on the stools provided for them in front of the microphone.

Kuro: You ready?

Crys: Ready!

Kuro: Members of the audience. we bring to you today Hanshin Republic Act 7 Chap 07, the final act for this installment of 'The Lost Children'.

Previously in 'The Lost Children'...

...

"Heh, You're a tough one." He drew his attention back to Syaoran. "Kudan are controlled by the heart. What is it that makes you so strong?"

"I have something that I must see through." Explained Syaoran.

"That makes sense." Confirmed Shogo. "All right, everyone get out of here!" Yelled Shogo as his Kudan drew in a mass of water around its mouth. "Ready! Go!" The mass of water flooded the entire lower grounds, rocking the land beneath their feet.

...

Syaoran hurried over to them with Masayoshi and his Kudan riding his own. "I got it! I got one of Sakura's feathers!"

"Well done Syaoran-kun." Smiled Fai.

"Yeah, for a kid, you're not to bad." Smirked Kurogane.

"We need to get back, I-I need to bring this to Sakura-" Syaoran was looking for the way they entered the area.

"Of course, back to Sorata-san's right? I'll lead the way." Smiled Kuro before taking off and Syaoran stayed right on his heel.

...

When they arrived at the house, the sky was starting to get dark and cloudy, a sure sign that rain was coming. They entered the house and paid respect to Arashi and Sorata before joining Kuro at the top of the stairs. "Where's the kid?"

"In the room with Sakura-hime…" Kuro paused and looked to the floor. "She- She doesn't know him."

Fai slowly put Crystal down and walked with Kurogane over to the doorway, watching as Syaoran introduced himself and began to explain the journey that they were on to her. Crystal walked up to Fai in the hallway and grasped his shirt in her hands, and Kuro too stepped forward and stood next to her.

...

Crystal gasped as air got at the wounds. "I-it hurts." She cried.

Fai cooed and gently rubbed her bangs out of her face. "Hey, it's okay. We're going to take care of this, and you'll be good as new in a few days time."

Crystal sniffled and nodded before waiting patiently as Fai opened the medical kit and pulled out the needed supplies. He started cleaning the wound with the antiseptic and Crystal ended up sobbing, trying to hide her face in her free arm as Fai cleaned the other.

...

A knock on their door interrupted their thoughts and they looked up to see Fai enter with Kurogane and Mokona right after him, "I hope we're not interrupting anything, we'd just like to ask you a few questions."

"Like what?" Asked Kuro as he crossed his arms.

"Mokona want's you to come with us!" Smiled Mokona as she jumped into Crystal's lap.

"What?" Both Crystal and Kuro questioned as Kurogane and Fai sat down in front of them.

...

"Yuko-san, this is Crystalia Fai Flowright, and this here is Kuro." Introduced Mokona.

"Crystalia-chan and Kuro-kun, hum? You both have a wish, am I right?" Asked Yuko.

...

"Very well. I wish you the best of luck, and may your wishes be granted. Good night Mokona."

"Good night Yuko-san!" Smiled Mokona before ending the conversation.

"Well, this really has been quite a night now." Smiled Fai as Mokona hopped over to his lap.

"Did this really just happen?" Asked Crystal.

"Of course it did! Crystal and Kuro get to travel with us now!" Smiled Mokona as she flapped her ears.

...

Kuro shut the lights off after they left and returned to his own bed as Haku appeared beside him and coiled around him after he settled himself under his comforter. Phoenix cooed beside Crystal and cuddled against her side as Crystal adjusted herself on her futon for a more comfortable sleep.

...


Hanshin Republic Act 7 Chap 07

*Morning*

Kuro woke up early and silently made his way out of the bedroom as to not disturb Crystal from her sleep. He took the offered clothes with him and found Arashi waiting for him in the hallway. She took him into her workroom and explained to him how to dress his shirt, then left him to change.

Kuro managed to dress himself without trouble. There were black pants that were a bit baggy for movement and possible growth. The shirt was like a cloth robe that folded over at a diagonal to his right hip. Arashi had also donned him a slim, long scarf and a black cloak with a rope tie. He managed to tie it, but it was quickly slipping.

"How is it Kuro-kun?" Asked Arashi as she cautiously opened the door.

"It fit's nice. But I think I'm gonna lose the cloak since I'm not the best at tying."

Arashi managed to show him how to correctly tie a bow for the cloak and he repeated the process three times to make sure he had it down. "Thanks Arashi-san, for everything."

"You'll be back soon, all right? I'll hold onto everything until you come back." She said as she walked him to the front door.

"Thank you. I'm just going to grab what I have left back at the warehouse before things get busy around here." He said as he put on his boots.

"We'll be waiting." Smiled Arashi before letting him go.

Upstairs, Crystal woke up slowly as to savor the moment. "Phoenix." She smiled when the bird appeared and stretched its wings before giving a coo to her. Crystal gently cuddled Phoenix before sitting up and fixing her wardrobe and making her way downstairs. "Good morning." Smiled Crystal as she entered the kitchen and saw Arashi finishing breakfast.

"Good morning Crystal-chan!" Smiled Sorata as he walked in behind her. "Good morning honey!" Sorata kissed Arashi's cheek. "Come, come and sit." He said and held out a chair for Crystal. "You're up early today, almost as early as Kuro-kun."

"Did Kuro-kun leave again?" Asked Crystal.

"To gather the last of his belonging's." Explained Arashi.

"I understand. He needs to do this." Said Crystal as she was given a plate of food to eat.

"Do you have any last minuet thing's you'd like to do Crystal-chan?" Asked Sorata.

"I-I want to say goodbye." She said.

"I'll take you." Smiled Sorata as he ruffled her hair.

"Thank you."

Crystal finished breakfast as Kurogane and Syaoran joined them at the table. "How is Sakura-san?" Asked Arashi.

"She's still sleeping, but she should wake up and eat before we leave." Said Syaoran.

"I'll be sure to take care of her. You're going to be meeting with the gentlemen from yesterday, yes?" Asked Arashi.

"Yes, actually. Masayoshi-kun invited us out to eat." Said Syaoran.

"Well, go out and don't worry about Sakura-chan or Crystal-chan here, we'll take care of them." Smiled Sorata as he put his arm around Crystal.

"What about the boy? Where is he?" Asked Kurogane.

"He went to gather the last of his belongings to be kept here." Said Arashi. "He'll be back before you leave."

"And what do you plan on doing today?" Asked Kurogane looking down at Crystal.

"Say goodbye." Crystal replied and Kurogane nodded in approval. "Arashi-san, can you help me with my outfit?"

"Of course dear." She smiled removing Crystal's finished plate from the table.

Crystal and Arashi returned upstairs to the bedroom and Arashi neatly set out each piece of Crystal's outfit on the floor. "Wow, is this really all for me?" Asked Crystal.

"Yes it is." Smiled Arashi. "I based your outfit off of your guardian's own outfit. Now, this here is the jacket. It over laps, so there's no need for buttons on the lower portion, and to clasp the strap across your shoulder, you simply pop it into this piece here."

"Wow. It's so fluffy." Giggled Crystal as she felt the material. "I can't wait to try it on."

Arashi smiled at her then moved onto the dress. "This is a two layer dress. Both pieces are stitched together so you don't have to worry about losing any pieces or any trouble to getting dressed. You have to slip the gown over your head and ask for assistance to zip the back up for you."

"It's very lovely, and I love the color, it's my favorite." Smiled Crystal. "Can I put it on now?"

"Of course." Arashi stayed in the room and helped Crystal into her dress after Crystal removed her pajamas. Arashi zipped her up and stood back to examine her work. "How does it feel?"

"Like it's slipping a bit." Crystal admitted as she pulled the dress up.

"I'm sorry, I'll fix it." Arashi quickly noted where to do a simple tuck and stitch and marked the areas with pins. "Does that feel better?"

"Yes." Smiled Crystal.

"All right, why don't you try your boots on and these arm cuffs while I take the dress back into my room and stitch it up."

"Okay." Crystal agreed and allowed Arashi to help her out of the dress before putting her shirt back on for some decency before putting the boots on. Crystal walked around the room for a bit to get a feel for them and simply enjoyed the feel of them. The boots were white with blue crossed laces and a blue ribbon at the top of them in the shape of a cross. Crystal then grasped the arm cuffs and slipped them onto her arms and settled them between her shoulder and elbow. "Oh, there's one more." It was a clasp on and found that it snuggled against her neck quite well as Arashi returned.

"Oh, I see you found the choker."

"It's nice and warm." Smiled Crystal.

"It's made of the same material I used for the ends of your jacket." Confirmed Arashi before helping Crystal into her dress once more, now seeing that it was snug to her body. "All better now?"

"Yes! Thank you so much Arashi-san! I really like it a lot."

"I wish I had enough time to make you a hair piece, but I'm afraid I don't." Arashi frowned.

"Have one ready for me when we come back." Smiled Crystal. "I know Ms. Yuko-san said we had to leave our world behind and such, but she never said we wouldn't return one day… So would you have it ready and waiting for me when I can come back?" Asked Crystal.

"Yes, or course dear. Right alongside yours and Kuro-kun's belongings."

"Okay. We'll be back for them one day." Crystal confirmed.

"Dear, is Crystal-chan with you?! We need to get going if we're going to say fa- My my, look at you!" Sorata smiled as he opened the door to the room and entered. "Do you like it Crystal-chan?"

"Yes! Very much so." Smiled Crystal.

"Well we're very glad to hear that. Now shall we go and say our farewell?" He asked as he offered her hand out to her.

Crystal paused before nodding, "Yes. Lets go."

*The Warehouse*

Kuro stood in the rafters of the bare warehouse, glancing around and checking that there was nothing out of place before resting and allowing Haku to come out and hover in front of him. "I leave today, and you have to stay behind." Haku nodded in understanding and gently nudged his chest. "I'll miss you too. But maybe one day, I can come back, even if it were for a brief moment, I'd like to see you and this place again."

Haku roared and floated around in circles as Kuro heaved the box next to him in his hands, "Well, this is all that's left. Best bring it to Arashi so that she can store it away for me before I go." Haku grumbled in agreement and helped Kuro down from the rafters before vanishing and residing within Kuro for possibly one last time.

*The house*

"I'm back!" Called out Kuro as he walked inside the house, removing his boots at the door.

Arashi stepped out of the living room where she was sitting with Sakura whom was sitting up, but still vaguely out of it. "Welcome back. Is this it?"

"Yes, this is everything." He said as she adjusted the box in his arms.

Arashi nodded in understanding and had Kuro follow her upstairs and to a spare room where Crystal's belongings were all ready in a box and labeled while Kuro's bag leaned against it. He put his box beside Crystal's and eased his bag into the box, pausing as he did so by the pocket where his mothers' locket rested, but let it go and sealed the box. Taking the marker Arashi offered and writing his name along the side and top of the box.

"Thank you for allowing me to keep my belongings here." Bowed Kuro.

"You will always be family to us Kuro-kun. Please don't forget that." Whispered Arashi.

"I won't." Kuro vowed.

"Arashi! We're back!" Called out Sorata from down stairs.

"Let's head back down stairs. It's almost time to go." Offered Arashi.

Kuro nodded and followed her out of the room before closing the door behind him and following her down stairs. "Welcome back." Arashi greeted them upon reaching the bottom of the staircase.

"Kuro-kun! You're back!" Smiled Crystal as she hurried over to him, "I was worried."

"Sorry, I didn't want to take all day clearing out the warehouse." Kuro apologized.

"It's okay, I understand." Crystal whispered as she played with the end of her dress. "I-I also went and said good bye."

Kuro nodded, "We're both ready to go then."

Crystal smiled in agreement. "Let's sit with Sakura-chan while we wait for the others." Crystal took Kuro's hand into her own and brought him into the living room and they sat with Sakura whom was trying to stay sitting up, but kept leaning over to one side in a drowsy state.

They didn't have to wait long for the others returned and after a quick change into their normal attire, they were ready to go. "Crystal-chan." Smiled Fai from the doorway.

Crystal hurried over to him and he helped her into her jacket as Kuro stepped out into the hallway and followed Kurogane out the front door. "These look very lovely on you. Arashi-san did a marvelous job." Smiled Fai.

"Thank you." Crystal took his offered hand for the other held a very tall staff that had a powerful aura to it. They walked out of the house and stepped beside Kurogane, Kuro and Syaoran.

"You're going all ready?" Asked Sorata.

"Yes." Confirmed Syaoran.

Sorata began to wine and pout as Syaoran returned the money he had borrowed during their stay in the Hanshin Republic as Sakura walked out of the house with a burly cloak on while Mokona sat on her shoulder. "Are you all right?" Asked Fai.

"I'm still a little sleepy." Confessed Sakura as she rubbed her eyes.

Crystal took one of Sakura's hands in her own and smiled up at her, "It will be all right. Everything will be okay in time."

Sakura couldn't really show emotion since they were tied into her memories that were lost, but she nodded in agreement before going to stand by Syaoran. Mokona hopped from her shoulder and floated into the air, shining brightly as wing's sprouted from her back over a magic circle. Crystal grabbed onto Fai's arm a little tighter as the magic surrounded them.

"Thank you so much for everything!" Thanked Syaoran.

"For what? We didn't do anything special." Smiled Sorata as stood by his wife.

"I pray that you may find one of Sakura-chan's feathers in your next world." Voiced Arashi.

Mokona then sucked in her travelers and transported them to the next world.

In between time and space, Crystal and Kuro felt a piece of themselves vanish from their bodies and looked back to witness their Kudan's standing beside one another with eight other Kudan's around them. They recognized Fai's Green Bird and Syaoran's Fire Dog. One was a large blue, ice dragon, and the other was a small squirrel Kudan. The four others held a great importance to them both.

"Fare well Phoenix. I'll miss you, as well as you Faun and Grif. It was so nice to see you once again." Cried Crystal as she gave them one last smile.

"Thanks for everything Haku! Watch after him for me Tigress, Gin." Smiled Kuro before he looked on ahead as those he held close and dear were gone.

End Chapter 7


With a hand signal from the manager, the isle attendants pulled back the curtains and the lights were restored to the theater as the audience applauded for Crys and Kuro whom stood from their stools and bowed.

Crys: Thank you all so much!

Kuro: Again, we appreciate you coming t our readings, and dealing with the two of us while Joci is away. Please be careful on your journey home today.

Crys: Don't forget to stop at our Comment/Review table located by the entrance please!

Kuro: Share with your friends and family and we hope to see you all and more at the next reading of our new Act.

The audience filed out of the theater as Crys and Kuro waved to them and the manager watched from an isle as a car stopped in front of the theater and a woman stepped out of the car and hurried inside after a wave and a bow to the driver.

Joci: What did I miss?

Manager: Just your kids reading of course.